The Basics of Speed Dating

If you’re tired of the same old in the regular dating world, you should give speed dating a try. This type of dating gathers quite a few people together and sends you through rapid introductions with each other. You have a specified amount of time to talk to a participant before you move on to the next person. Not only do you get to meet far more people than you would through dating, you also keep the small talk to a minimum as you learn about the most important topics to your partner.

The standard amount of time you’ll spend talking to another person is eight minutes. Some dating systems use shorter or longer time periods, but the eight minutes provides you with enough time to get to know a little bit about your partner without running into awkward silences or other problems. If you click with a particular person, you can ask for his or her contact information or set up a more traditional date on the spot.

You should approach this introductory meeting with a game plan in mind. You don’t want to get flustered with the time limitation. The best way to avoid this feeling is to go into the dating session with a script or topic list written beforehand. To avoid having it out in front of you during the introduction round, go over the topics in your car before you head in so everything is fresh in your mind. Some example topics you can use include movies, activities, education, career, games, pets, hobbies and work around the community.

You should not be nervous during the speed dating session. If something goes wrong with the first person you talk to, you only have to get through eight minutes before moving on to the next. You have plenty of opportunities to hit it big with someone so that takes the pressure off of each individual meeting. It’s important not to dominate the conversation talking about yourself, it’s not attractive in regular dating and in a time limited dating format, it’s even more disastrous. Find out about your potential partner so you’ll know where your common ground is if you end up dating.

You can find speed dating services in many different cities and even online. The structure and turnout varies based on your location and the service you’re using. Ask your single friends and family for their personal experiences of using a service like this. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out who ends up using this type of dating.

Speed Dating – Is It Effective?

It is a known fact the world-over that the rising work pressures and deadlines are eating into people’s lives. Then, where is the time to go out and meet people?? Let alone, finding the love of your life. Speed dating is a concept that has made its way into the hearts of the people all over the world. But, then again, there are some pockets who believe that the concept is not much effective and is a waste of time….

Well, in my opinion, it is the other way around. As a working professional, there are times when you might feel that the world is a lonely place and that you wished you had that someone special in your life. But, with so much cut-throat competition, we are all are parts of the rat race. So, love definitely does take a backseat.

Contrary to what some people might make you believe. Speed dating is in fact a very effective way to meet and interact with new people. And if you hit it right, you might just end up with that perfect person you have been waiting for, all of your life. For starters, let me tell you that…

# Speed Dating is Safe
When someone decides to try speed dating for the first time, the question that pops up in one’s mind is “Is it safe?” As a matter of fact, it is absolutely safe and there is nothing to fear about the concept. The idea of meeting a whole bunch of strangers and interacting with them within a short amount of time might seem daunting. But the truth is there is nothing to be scared of. It is already a fad abroad and thousands of singles have found their better half.

So, if it was not a safe concept, then the trend would have died a long time back. But the concept is still very much alive and more and more people are finding it interesting every day. And if privacy is an issue with you then let me tell you that….

# Speed Dating is Discreet
The companies organizing these speed dating events are very cautious when it comes to the privacy of its members. So if all along, you were worried about compromising on your privacy, then you can let that thought rest and go and try this concept for once. Trust me, no one can know your address, your phone number or your most intimate details, until and unless, you decide to give that information to someone. You see, the guys running the show, definitely don’t want to end up with a bad name for themselves and they do want you to recommend them to others as well. So, maintaining your confidentiality is one of their top priorities. Then again, it’s not just about finding your soul mate, because…

# There are always Friends to Make
When it comes to dating, the fact is that you might not always find the perfect one for you in the first go. After all, you have been on dates right?? Chances are that you have and you have found out that the guy/girl you just dated is not your soul mate, but can make a very good friend. That’s just one person we are talking about here.

Now imagine, what will happen if you find yourself surrounded by hundreds of like-minded individuals. There are very good chances that you might end up with a bunch of new friends. The beauty of this concept allows you to interact with hundreds of people in an environment which you won’t find anywhere else. So, in my opinion it is a very effective way of making new friends too.

Even when you are dating that cute guy/girl from your office, no one can guarantee that the two of you will make it as a couple. I mean seriously, it’s a fact right? so, why not try it, I mean when you can meet so many cute guys/girls under a single roof, chances are you might just find someone you would love to meet again. No form of dating can guarantee that you will find the love of your life. After all love is serious business, you just can’t be with anyone for the heck of it…. So, I really think that speed dating is a good way to meet new people and interact with them and as for the question whether it is effective or not?? Why don’t you find it out for yourself…? I mean there are always more friends and contacts to be made… isn’t it??

5 Red Flags on Online Dating Sites

Online dating is no longer a last resort for meeting singles. It has become so prevalent that a recent study estimates 30% of marriages have come from meeting online. The global online dating market is about $4billion, and there are well over 1,000 sites. Because of its prevalence, online dating has given rise to many new sites, most often targeted to a specific niche (location, religion, interests, etc), and in many cases delivered as a mobile application.

If you are considering testing out some of these new dating sites — and given that many are taking a new approach to online dating, doing so is wise — here are five red flags, or things to watch out for on these sites:

1. Fake Profiles. This is a fairly common practice of new online dating sites, and the reason they do it is clear: no one wants to join a dating site with few members. So these sites will ‘buy’ profiles, often from other sites, in order to boost the appearance of more members. This is obviously deceptive to members, who may sign up thinking the site is larger than it is. They may also be surprised that none of their messages are being returned, and no one is writing to them.

So how can you tell if your dating site displays fake profiles? It’s not easy. But if a new site suddenly has 5000 members, if the profiles are written generically, or if you have seen a very similar profile (or same photo) on another dating site, it might be telling.

2. Fake Members Messaging You. Similar to #1, this tactic is used by sites to keep you more engaged on the site by believing someone (usually attractive) is interested in you. It should be pretty easy to suss out if the message is fake or not — when you respond, do you get a message back? Also, the way the message is written may be telling. If it is impersonal, it’s more likely to be fake.

3. Sites trumpeting matching algorithms. This has worked well for some of the major players in the dating site industry, who use their algorithm as a marketing tool. However, whether you believe in the validity and effectiveness or not (many do not), it is unlikely that a brand new site will have ‘cracked the code’ for how to match people. It’s more than likely that they are trying something new that MIGHT work, but is most likely not proven, and is being used largely for marketing.

4. Sites that ask for a credit card without giving you an idea of what the site is about. It’s not unusual for dating sites to charge a fee; however, for a new site to do this, they need to be clear with potential members about what they are paying for. There should be a clear ‘About us’ or ‘FAQ’ section so members understand the mechanics of the website. Too often, sites give you no access unless you provide your payment information.

5. Sites that try to do too much. Dating sites often fall into the trap of trying to outdo their peers by promising the moon to members. Instead of sticking to a specific approach to matching people or bringing people together, these sites will pose ‘guarantees’, too-perfect seeming case studies, and the greatest scientific matching formula on earth. Be wary…it’s unlikely the site is breaking any new ground.